Every year, more than one billion pumpkins are grown in the U.S., many destined for Halloween festivities.

But after the spooky day and the celebrations come to an end, millions of these pumpkins end up in landfills.

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As they decompose, they release methane — a potent greenhouse gas that accelerates climate change. The U.S. Department of Energy warns that this holiday tradition has an unexpectedly serious environmental cost.

So instead of letting pumpkins rot away, you can give them a second life. From composting to cooking, there are plenty of eco-friendly ways to reuse your festive gourds. Here are 5 things to do with your pumpkins after Halloween:

Transform your pumpkin into a lovely bird feeder by carving

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